Sr. Probation Officer - Detention

Under general supervision, performs work of considerable difficulty in probation and other community correctional services with juvenile offenders. Professionals in this position perform casework, supervision, and counseling of juvenile probationers. Work typically involves acting as a lead Probation Officer, or Project Director. This individual is an established leader in the organization. Work is performed under limited general supervision of a Probation Officer Supervisor.

Work requires considerable independent judgment, initiative and familiarity with standards, policies, and functions of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court. Duties may often involve aiding in the training of new staff.

Provide intervention services for at-risk youth, male and female, in the community via evidenced-based methods. Work requires the use of independent judgment, initiative, and familiarity with standards, policies, and functions of the 19th Judicial Circuit and the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts (AOIC).

• Varies by unit.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends as assigned.
• May be required to be on-call during conventional and non-conventional hours (evening/weekends).

• All duties as delineated in the Juvenile Probation Officer Job Description apply.
• Provides guidance and assists in training.
• Works with management to help improve policies, procedures, and standards.
• Forms productive and constructive relationships with clients, judiciary, staff, management, and ancillary agencies.
• Serve as a trainer/mentor.
• Complete field, home and office visits per departmental policy and standards.
• Participates in stakeholder and probation committees as needed.

May be responsible for:

• Facilitating programs

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all required activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, programs, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time.

• Identifies and recommends realistic methods and/or procedures to enhance overall division effectiveness and efficiency.
• Effectively demonstrates an ability to complete a variety of assignments.
• Demonstrates unique and creative problem solving on a repeated basis.
• Demonstrates a variety of skills that contribute to effective service delivery.
• Is competent to work effectively with most all cases and assignments.
• Possesses a working knowledge of the justice system, relevant laws, court rules, administrative orders, Administrative Office policies and procedures, and the operation of the assigned unit.
• Competently handles more challenging caseloads.
• Manages multiple priorities with minimal assistance.
• Recognizes and diagnoses problems and demonstrates competent problem-solving and decision-making skills on a continuing basis.
• Demonstrates a continuing awareness of system issues and needs and brings them to the attention of management.
• Demonstrates competent written and verbal communications.

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferably with major coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, psychology, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years working in probation, criminal justice, or social service field preferred.
• Certification from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. The following is a link to the required form:
  Employment | Probation/Court Services

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be a resident of Illinois.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a background check.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• May involve long periods sitting and driving in a car.

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam. Only employees who have completed the probationary period are eligible for a transfer or promotion.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal.